Local grading contractor Jim Miller is launching his free breakfast for veterans Thursday from 8 to 10 a.m. at Dixie Diner in Laurel Park. Veterans past and present get a free buffet breakfast, sponsored by Miller and HonorAir.

"This is for 18 to 108," Miller told the Lightning last month. "Anyone that is wearing or has worn a uniform, man or woman, we just want to give them a free breakfast."

The free breakfasts will continue on the third Thursday of the month.

In the two weeks since the Lightning published the story, Miller said he had heard a lot of positive comments and had donations and offers of sponsorships.

Miller, 46, had three uncles who served in World War II."It's the main reason you and I can sleep at night, is all these veterans that have worn the uniform," he said. "The closest I ever came to hand-to-hand combat was at the end of my grandmother's hickory stick."